Unveiling the Word

In Biblical studies, understanding Greek words like λιθάζω (lithazō) is crucial because it provides insight into the historical and cultural contexts of ancient texts. The word λιθάζω appears in John 10:31, where it is used in the context of an attempted stoning of Jesus. This word’s usage offers a glimpse into the practices and legal customs of the ancient world, particularly within the Jewish and Greco-Roman traditions. By examining the nuances of λιθάζω, we gain a deeper understanding of how certain actions were perceived and portrayed in the New Testament.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: λιθάζω (lithazō) [pronunciation: lee-THA-zo].

Etymology: The word λιθάζω is derived from the Greek root λίθος (lithos), which means “stone.” The suffix -άζω is commonly used to form verbs in Greek, meaning “to perform the action related to the noun.” Thus, λιθάζω essentially means “to stone” or “to pelt with stones.”

Part of Speech: Verb. As a verb, λιθάζω is often used in the active voice to describe the action of throwing stones at someone, usually with the intent to harm or execute. It is a regular verb following standard Greek conjugation patterns.

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Defining Meanings

1. To Stone: The primary meaning of λιθάζω is “to stone,” particularly in the context of an execution method in ancient cultures where the accused was pelted with stones until death.
2. To Throw Stones at: This term can also mean “to throw stones at” more generally, not necessarily as a means of execution but as a violent act of aggression or condemnation.
3. To Attempt Stoning: In certain New Testament contexts, λιθάζω is used to describe an attempt or intention to stone someone, reflecting a punitive or hostile intent rather than the completion of the act.

Exploring Similar Words

1. καταλιθάζω (katalithazō) [pronunciation: ka-ta-lee-THA-zo]: This word intensifies the action of stoning, often implying a thorough or conclusive stoning. It is used less frequently than λιθάζω.
2. λιθοβολέω (lithoboleō) [pronunciation: lee-tho-bo-LE-o]: Similar to λιθάζω, this word also means “to stone” but can specifically refer to the act of hurling stones in battle or conflict, not necessarily as a legal execution.
3. πέτρος (petros) [pronunciation: PE-tros]: While not a verb, this noun means “stone” or “rock” and is the root for other related terms. It is often associated with the Apostle Peter but also reflects the imagery of stoning or throwing rocks.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, λιθάζω follows standard Greek conjugation patterns. Here is a breakdown of its morphological features:

Tense, Voice, Mood:

• Present Active Indicative: λιθάζω, λιθάζεις, λιθάζει, λιθάζομεν, λιθάζετε, λιθάζουσιν
• Aorist Active Indicative: ἐλίθασα, ἐλίθασας, ἐλίθασεν, ἐλιθάσαμεν, ἐλιθάσατε, ἐλίθασαν

Person and Number: The verb is conjugated in all persons (first, second, third) and numbers (singular and plural).
Aspect: The aorist aspect in Greek typically represents a single, completed action, while the present aspect indicates a continuous or repeated action.

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Studying Lexicon Insights

The term λιθάζω is referenced in various Greek lexicons, where it is often associated with the judicial and extrajudicial practice of stoning in Jewish and Greco-Roman contexts. In the New Testament, it appears in passages where Jesus or His followers are threatened with stoning, highlighting the opposition and dangers they faced. In classical contexts, λιθάζω is similarly used to describe punitive stoning, especially in legal settings where stoning was a community-based form of capital punishment. The term illustrates both the legal and social aspects of ancient justice and conflict.
This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. John 10:31 – “The Jews picked up stones again to stone [λιθάσαι] Him.”
2. Acts 7:58 – “When they had driven him out of the city, they began stoning [λιθάζειν] him.”
3. 2 Corinthians 11:25 – “Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned [ἐλιθάσθην].”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek verb λιθάζω (lithazō) plays a significant role in understanding the social, legal, and theological dimensions of ancient texts. It provides insight into the harsh realities of ancient judicial practices and the serious opposition faced by early Christians. Its usage in both New Testament and classical Greek literature reflects the broader cultural and historical contexts in which stoning was viewed as a legal and moral response to various offenses.

Did You Know?

• Fact 1: Stoning was one of the most ancient forms of capital punishment mentioned in both Biblical and extra-Biblical sources.
• Fact 2: The act of stoning required the participation of the community, symbolizing collective judgment and rejection.
• Fact 3: In some cases, Roman authorities permitted stoning under local Jewish law, even when it contradicted Roman legal procedures.